ALC chief of staff set for transition

Published July 6, 2009
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Patti Ripple said, bar none, she will miss the people of Tinker.

After a near 30-year career at Tinker, the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center chief of staff and deputy to the commander for support will soon depart to the National Defense University's Industrial College of the Armed Forces. As a student, Ms. Ripple will study how the industrial base supports the national security strategy.

"You can't leave Tinker without having a great appreciation for the people who work here, the skills they have and their dedication to supporting the warfighter," Ms. Ripple said. "You could not ask for greater individuals dedicated to the mission or a better community standing ready to support them. The partnership between Tinker and the community is probably the greatest that ever existed."

Ms. Ripple, a native Oklahoman, began her federal career at Tinker in October 1979 as a GS-02 data transcriber or key-punch operator. She moved up through the ranks working as a personnel manager, chief and director before landing her most recent position as chief of staff. Through it all, Ms. Ripple said she believes certain philosophies got her to where she is now.

"I've always had a philosophy that I love whatever it is that I'm doing," Ms. Ripple said. "Every job has been different, but I've loved something about every job. And, I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with great leaders like Maj. Gen. David Gillett, OC-ALC commander."

Ms. Ripple also passed along advice for the younger work force members.

"I believe they need to broaden in their career or education, they need to take some risks, be mobile and never get too comfortable," she said. "If you're really comfortable in what you are doing, you're not testing yourself to your limit. If you're too relaxed, then it's time for a change. It's only when we put ourselves in a position that tests us that we really see what we are capable of doing."

In her position as chief of staff and deputy to the commander for support, Ms. Ripple said she is proud of several contributions. Among them was her role in the Tinker Aerospace Complex, the former General Motors automobile assembly plant that Oklahoma County purchased in 2008 and leased to the Air Force.

But, now as it's time to move on, it's not just Ms. Ripple that will miss Tinker, but several officials said she too will be missed.

"Patti is a superb professional dedicated to both the Tinker mission and to building relationships with the Oklahoma community," said General Gillett. "She is an Airman in every sense of the word. Her energy and dedication will be missed. We wish her well as she moves on to this new opportunity."

Dana Aberle, OC-ALC deputy chief of staff, agreed.

"Patti has a knack for coordinating the details of a project - big or small - to ensure a successful outcome," he said. "We'll be benefiting from her actions long after her departure."